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What Causes Pain In Neck And Spine While Suffering From Fever?
Question: my wife has flu like symptoms. She has a fever, not cough, doesn't feel good, but what is most concerning is her neck and spine she say hurts and feels achy.
About 4 years ago she had viral meningitis. These symptoms are similar. Don't want to take here to emergency unless we have to and I know the test for this is a spinal needle and she is concerned about that. Anything we could do to insure she is not that sick or just take her to be sure?
About 4 years ago she had viral meningitis. These symptoms are similar. Don't want to take here to emergency unless we have to and I know the test for this is a spinal needle and she is concerned about that. Anything we could do to insure she is not that sick or just take her to be sure?
Brief Answer:
assessment is absolutely needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand the inconvenience of going to the emergency room but only the suspicion of such a serious diagnosis should be enough to get you going. Viral meningitis cannot be specifically treated of course but if it's a bacterial meningitis then immediate intravenous treatment is required to avoid serious complications.
The most common cause is not bacterial meningitis thankfully. In a patient with fever, no cough and no specific symptoms the most common cause is a viral infection. But since the diagnosis is not yet established, medical attention is recommended. Besides meningitis there are various serious infections that might cause similar symptoms.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
assessment is absolutely needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand the inconvenience of going to the emergency room but only the suspicion of such a serious diagnosis should be enough to get you going. Viral meningitis cannot be specifically treated of course but if it's a bacterial meningitis then immediate intravenous treatment is required to avoid serious complications.
The most common cause is not bacterial meningitis thankfully. In a patient with fever, no cough and no specific symptoms the most common cause is a viral infection. But since the diagnosis is not yet established, medical attention is recommended. Besides meningitis there are various serious infections that might cause similar symptoms.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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